Joe and I met Jim and Lou Ann 21 years ago when we began a small community group at DSBC    This friendship has grown more precious through the years. Lou Ann had the gift where she made every one believe they were her best friend. She was a dear friend to so many people who loved her bubbly personality, her warm and funny wit and how she made each person feel loved and accepted. She did this in so many ways, from sending a card, giving a hug or saying a prayer. I loved her prayers!  They were heartfelt, eloquent and powerful!  She loved her family and friends so passionately. She was so proud of her children and grandchildren and we all enjoyed hearing of their accomplishments. She prayed passionately for them all. She loved music and was happy to play our piano every time she visited our house. She wrote songs, played them, and sang them. These last number of years were so challenging for her but she was a fighter and came out singing if not in voice in how she dealt with huge challenges in the basic things we take for granted, like swallowing and eating and breathing. She overcame so much until the Lord called her home. Our little group will not be the same. We will carry on and remember her each time we meet and in between. Her place at the table cannot be replaced.   Connie and Joe Beer

Dear Cousins,  My name is Vincent Fazzalare and your Mom was my second cousin.  I am so sorry for your terrible loss.  I was so sad to learn  of your Mom’s recent illness and her passing.  Your mom was a kind and caring person who was filled with so much love.  I can’t imagine the void her loss will leave on your family. 

Though I don’t know you, we are connected through our Italian culture and ancestry, our immediate families and relatives and that beautiful Italian spirit which helps to connect us all. 

Your Mom and Uncle Henry were first cousins to my Dad (Patsy Fazzalare) and his brother Frank Fazzalare.  I met your mom several times when I was younger.   As your mom was healing from her Leukemia diagnosis, she was an always in our conversations at home and a daily part of our prayers.  When my Grandfather (Vincenzo Fazzalare) was sick and in the nursing home, your mom made him a special plaque to cheer him up.  I have that plaque and I will continue to treasure it.  I know my Dad and Uncle Frank will be happy to see your mom in heaven.  My heart gets some peace in knowing that the four cousins are together again. 

I last saw your Uncle Henry at the family reunion in Seven Springs, Pennsylvania which I guess was about 15 years ago.  Since then I was on your mom’s email list and would get updates about Henry and your family. Once Henry passed away i would continue to get occasional emails from your mom especially on Henry's birthday. 

I live in Costa Rica now and I will light a candle in church for your Mom and I will have a mass said in celebration of her life.  Again, I am so sorry for your loss and I am keeping your mom and your family in my prayers.  Sincerely, Vincent Fazzalare